Whistle a Happy Tune

On our way out today to explore the possibility of purchasing a piano for HS to practice on, the sound of thundering feet broke our concentration.

"Hey....I was thinking...." HS breathlessly explains as he rounds the corner into the kitchen, "that I could buy somethin' with some of my money!" I peered over at him while pouring LD's milk into her sippy and he proudly held up his change purse.

"How much do you have in there?" I inquired.

"Uhhhhh....well...let's see...two quarters...a dime...and a nickel!" he replied with a huge smile.

"How much is that?" I pressed.

Needless to say, our entire drive to Sams centered on counting his money and all things relating to what he could buy with 56 cents. Finally, his big moments arrived. The doors to Pricebusters opened and his eyes turned from baby blues to hungry sharks...everything looked so good and necessary for a purchase. Only problem? He only had 56 cents to spend. We led him to the candy aisle where he busily attempted to find something (apparently, HH and I were lucky enough to live in an era that you could really do some damage with 56 cents!) to spend his hard earned money on. Finally, he made his selection. A unicorn pop and the oh so cool, make as many note sounds as you can, suck on it as you make noise delish lollipop: whistle pop!



HS paid for his well thought out selections and then turned to HH and I and said, "look! I have 5 cents left, better save that for the next time!"

The whistle pop has certainly been a hit. HS ran over to his friends' house proudly announcing his arrival with a whistle, a shout, and pride in a happy choice.

Grouch Amongst Us

Imagine if you will a very talkative soul. One who has never met a stranger, loves assisting when called on, and addicted to friendships spent chatting away the hours. Flashback to a week full of a school open house, friend frivolity, plenty of chat times, baptism, and loads of parties celebrating a few milestones and you will find this outgoing person having the time of her life. Although a dull headache was emerging and as she spoke, her throat felt as though it were on fire. Ever persistent, she kept taking the photographs, giggling, and never once thinking of stopping to take a snooze.

By the end of this joyous week, this gregarious woman would morph into her worst nightmare: an unfriendly and uncaring introvert. Words would cease to be spoken even though she tried her hardest. Call signs would me created, such as "wheezy" since no sound could escape the cold ravaged woman.

Days would creep by without symptoms of this nasty cold dwindling. Just when she didn't think the pain in her throat and congestion that riddled her chest wouldn't terminate, the voice that she so desperately missed returned. This woman threw a small homecoming party...chores that had piled up were finally attempted, playing and singing with her two adorable kiddos resumed, and phone calls to friends ensued.

She began the party to soon. Just as quickly as her voice returned, her head exploded and her nasal passages swelled with gook. Sounds and voices were intermittently heard. This usually carefree woman became agitated once again. Seriously? Where is the candid camera man? Who the heck invented colds anyway? As her ears began an incessant ringing of fluid filled canals and her nose swelled to the size of Texas and reddened to that akin to Rudolph's, she became incorrigible. Nights spent with a Nyquil induced grogginess as coughing fits filled her early morning hours have become her mainstay.

I have a confession. I am that woman. The sign on this post says it all. I am a grouch. Payment for me is adding up with all the times that I've been grouchy and irritable. Let's face it, when you can't hear, speak, or breathe, you're grouchy, too. There is going to be a light at the end of this cold, gloomy, sick tunnel that I'm walking through now (I cling to this thought!). One morning I will wake up and feel like my old self. Ready to tackle the laundry, chase LD around the living room as her "tickle bug", enjoy HS quirks and jokes, snuggle with HH without sputtering my gook all over, and yes...get back to experiencing the vibes that spring from doing what I do best...talking, socializing, and rarely skipping a beat. Watch out when you are around me. I apologize in advance, I'm akin right now to snake who is about to strike...I'm frustrated, tired, and oh so exhausted....of feeling like...c...r...a...p. I'll give you the $20 in advance.

Celebrate 39

Hau'oli la hanau, dear sis! Another year has quickly passed and it's time to celebrate your special day! Can you believe it? You've done a lot this year and will be enjoying another year of fun! Here's wishing you loads of fun, lots of love, and many happy days for your 39th year. Remember you're loved! Hugs and kisses to you from paradise.

Before the Sunrise

The alarm clock buzzes me out of my dreamworld that I had so been enjoying as I snored peacefully next to HH and Kendo. This is the mornin' that I have decided will be the 1st test run for my new exercise moment. Only problem...I can't seem to wake up. Nevermind that it is 0430 and my clock has morphed into Satan and the buzzing is like the raging fires trying to strike.

Although LD and I have been enjoying our runs around the island, I was finding that life over the past weeks has been invading that necessary element of my days. If it wasn't something going on, then the heat index was already way too hot for a good run. Exercise always makes me feel better and without it I turn to a very haggled, upset, and not so nice little woman.

Apparently, I wasn't the only one who thought so since my HH struggled to find the time to give me to work-out...without the kids. "Hey! I've got it...how about at 8." he asked one evening while I was cooking. "at night?" I questioned. "yeah...you could work out then as long as you wanted!" he replied as he beamed with pride in his advice. "are you insane?" I answered.

A little while later, as he leaned over to kiss me goodnight, he once again shared a brilliant idea. "How about at 0430? I could only give you until 0545 on Tues/Thurs, but at least that's something." he announced. "No way...I'm exhausted enough." Well, after feeling the slow effects of a week without cardio, I decided to try his idea.

Before the sunrise is a calm and serene time. As I walked to the little gym, I couldn't help but feel like I was doing something productive. The houses I passed where dark, birds hadn't even dreamt of singing, and the coolness to the air was welcoming over our daily humidity. It's now only 0615 and I've already exercised, drank a cup of Joe, and stepped into the shower. All this, and my day is ready to begin. Only by 7 this evening, I'll be snoring. But mark my words, I'll be up before the sunrise again on Thursday. Even if that alarm clock does turn into Satan.

H2O Lessons

Some kids have an addiction to chocolate. Others may find that their nose is more interesting while they are listening to a conversation shared between two little people. Still others have an addiction to skateboarding or text messaging. Mine? Well...mine have an addiction all their own...it's called H2O...that wonderful, marvelous, splash to life that lifts one from gloomy dryness to become saturated in life and implode on energy. If I ever thought one would be a sand wimp while the other was charging forth without hesitation into a maddening surf, I certainly didn't predict my children. Both are addicted, 100%, to the ocean and the sea life that teems within.

We try to make several adventures out of the beaches in Hawaii. So far, we have been able to score highly on likability and desirability. Days here are just like on the mainland so when life begins to take its toll and chime "boring" we chase away that annoying gong and head straight to the beach for some H2O...Hawaiian style. We've certainly gained advice for those who are beach virgins. Traveling and enjoying the beach shouldn't be so stressful with kids especially with some of the tricks of the trade. Need excersise? Don't worry...you'll get it on the beach and in the water.

Taking the pontoon boats out to the sandbar of Kaneohe Bay is a blast. With a picnic lunch, drinks, and friends, this is sure to be a three hour outing that scores big in the fun department! If you're wanting to work on those arms, why not hang out on the back end of the boat while going back to shore?

Daddy's are awesome...especially ones that will be brave enough to place three little ones on a paddle board and parade them around for awhile. This is another excersise that is good for not only the arms, but the heart as well since you're sure to find yourself on your toes as each little one teeders in a different direction attempting to find their balance!

Once you've pushed the little ones around for a while, it is the adult's turn to enjoy the thrill of the paddle board. Get ready for your abs, legs, and arms to feel a burn. Watch your movements because any one of them can send you splashin'.

The beach is a fun social event as well. There's an endless supply of conversations and moments to share just watching the water lap to your toes!

Sand toys are a must of any beach excursion. Never fear, even when you forget them occasionally, they'll find something to improvise. However, that bucket supplies an endless array of possiblities...typhoon, water dunk, or foot washing station. The sky's the limit.

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Calathenitcs are great fun on the nice soft sand. Kicking up your legs never felt so good. Watching the waves come at you while looking at them upside down gives a special thrill.

"Digging to China" must be changed a bit when enjoying the sands of paradise. Regardless of the country you are now digging to, the bigger and deeper the hole, the better!

A day enjoying the surf, sand, and sun is always best topped off with a delicious and refreshing Mai Tai as the happy voices of children fill the air and the tradewinds stir the palm fronds above your head.

Photographic Notes:
The top three pictures are taken from our trip to the sandbar with three other sets of families on Sunday, August 16th. Pictures 4 & 5 were taken on Hickam Beach with another dear friend and her children on August 18th. Pictures 6, 7, & 8 were taken on August 21st at Waikiki Beach, again with dear friend who is visiting from CT, HH, HS, and LD.

Tradition, Bell, and Baptism

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
~ 1 Corinthians 12:13

Today, we stood witness to one of God's greatest bestowings. Becoming a member of His family. DFS (Dear Friend Sub) asked us to not only witness the event of their son's baptism onboard the USS Hawaii, but stand as the proud Godparents to this handsome little guy. We are overwhelmed with joy, pride, and responsiblity that this will entail, but stand ready to assist in his growth and knowledge of God's plan for him.


The baptism was like no other that we've been apart of. In a time honored Navy traditon, we stood atop of the Navy's newest submarine and watched as the ship's bell became the font and the sailors showcased not only their pride in their country, but that of babies born to boat spouses. The chaplain's speech was clear, heartfelt, and stood as testament to the notion that above all good military men and women, their is a God who stands watch on them, their spouses, and welcomes with open arms their little ones.

My cup runneth over on this event. It was touching and when I see another ship's bell, I will always be reminded of this day.

Old Friends

I often discuss how wonderful the military lifestyle is in my blogs. I realize this. I will freely admit I am bias. Who would even think that a girl raised within a military lifestyle would turn her back on her raising? I have embraced this lifestyle and can't imagine my life without the dear friends we have met along the way. Looking back at almost thirteen years of service, we have at least one set from each tour that we have maintained contact, overlapped tours, or simply chatted our way through the years. I count myself lucky that I can have these friends. This lifestyle does not lend itself to living alone and having friends that are more like family to us keeps us sane.

Over the next week, I will immersed within dear friends' lives....a baptism (HH and I are the proud Godparents), a Change of Command, and a birthday. I have one set who is bring a boat over to Hawaii and another who is taking the helm as skipper of a squadron. The other is celebrating an additional year of their darlin' son growing and learning. For all I am overwhelmed with pride. You would think I was a sister of these families...alas, I am not. I am merely a friend. A cheerleader at best. I adore these families who have left a firm impression upon my soul.

They have each taught me more about myself, but more often than not, they have directed me to become more than what I thought I could ever be as a Navy spouse. I was raised Air Force after all, and as we all know, there is a difference in culture. I've had to learn the ropes and apply what I knew from my youth. Thank God friendships aren't directed by military protocol.

I will be witness to major events in my friends' lives this week and with each, I am bursting with pride in old friendships...the best a gal could ask for.

Weekly Musing

Has it really been a week and a half since I last posted? Incredible. I always believed time flew by but to not even sit down and put any of my thoughts in this blog shows that around here, time is wizzing and draining. What started off as a gloomy week full of clouds hanging thick over our little piece of paradise as tropical storm Felicia made her way to our backdoor, it is ending in moments of joy after a hard few days with one of the kiddos and has all of us gazing at the billowy clouds painted onto a crystal blue backdrop.

HS entered his second full week of school on Monday. So far, the teacher seems to be a great fit for him. It sounds like we're trying on pants, but honestly, a good fit to HS is hard to find with a teacher. He is active, inquisitive, willful, and well...everything in between. I've often thought that if he were not my son, but a student of mine, I'd probably want to run away screaming. Since I don't have that option, I will keep on saying he is wonderful but exhausting. HH and me are both hopeful that this school year will not be the behavior fiasco of last. I'm not sure I could make it through another one of those. He was awarded for all of his hard work today by appearing in front of the entire school and receiving a certificate, ice-cream freebie, and picture. He worked hard on all of his projects and it is always nice to see him rewarded for his academic prowless. He is incredible when it comes to reading and is currently enjoying 'Sherlock Holmes' and 'The Hardy Boys.' So, even if his behavior isn't always the best, he's got his intelligence to fall back on.



LD has been a busy little gal over the past week. She has enjoyed playing with new little friends and is talking up a storm. She is trying desperately to catch up with big brother and still finds that Kendo is the most incredible little playmate she could possibly have. Her big accomplishment this week has been to strip down to her diaper, enter the bathroom as I was using it, and announce: "potty". She then proceeded to sit down on her little toilet and use it. Although not fully ready to begin the rigors of toilet training, she is making incredible strides of being interested in what life without diapers would mean. I'm all for the new switch but will hold out on formal training for another few months.

We are enjoying the companionship of dear friends that we've known for over seven years as they visit Hawaii. The military has provided us the opportunity to meet some fascinating people and for that, I'm grateful. I truly adore this particular family and had a great time baking her a cake in honor of her 29th (could I please be that old again?!?) birthday and singing a rousing rendition with the kiddos of the Birthday song. She's been showcasing some of her favorite "good eats" around Oahu and I'm adoring learning more about the island from someone who views this as her "hometown". I'm dreaming of a time that we can be colocated again...I'll get off this subject before you see tear stains on your computer.

HH had officially earned the title of work-a-holic a few years ago. Now, I would say he has found true peace in his chosen profession. His days are long and full of meetings, but through all of that he has found true happiness within his job. That is something that we can all be thankful for in the current economy. I would hate it if he was miserable in his chosen career path. He saw a sign announcing a career fair yesterday and decided to check it out just for kicks. After being told how much his knowledge and experience was worth, he smiled as he announced that all that did for him was further reinforce his desire to maintain his place as a proud member of the military and not be among the civilian sector. Gotta love revelations that give you even more drive and dedication to do what you love and not give in to any pressures outside of yourself.



I am now being hailed by the princess from her all to short nap. I'm glad I was able to update and will look forward to another moment of peace when I can post our weekend adventures: my 1st concert since seeing Elton John way back in our Jacksonville days and a trip with friends to the sandbar. It's going to be a sweet weekend...I can feel it in my toes..

2nd Grade Treasures

My Backpack


On my back a pack I carry
In it, all my treasures.
It's what I need
So I can be
One class higher!
I'm off to second grade, you see!

Crayons, ruler, scissors too,
And yes a little Elmer's glue
Paper, pencils, in my bag…
Wonder what made mom so sad?
I'm in second grade, she should be glad!

Trapper keeper, nice and neat
Will it really stay this clean?
Second grade is sure to be sweet!

On my back a pack I carry
In it, all my treasures!


Today I'll be
Just watch and see
One class higher!
It's second grade for me!